June 2020
It’s great to see old and new friends each week for our Northeast Weekly Check-ins. On May 6th we special guest, Marie D’Aoust, joined us to talk about a new MASS Voting Club. Several people were interested. Valerie raised the issue of scam calls and what to do if you are getting them. Several members are waiting to see if the national Self Advocates Becoming Empowered Conference will happen in October of this year. Right now it is still on but organizers are watching the situation closely to be sure it safe. We wrote to our regional DDS Director to offer our support and to ask about plans to re-open programs. We also want to be sure that everyone in the disability community lost to COVID 19 is remembered. If you care about that too, please contact Bridget Crowley at bridget@ma-advocates.org .
On May 13th our group talked about the Census, upcoming plans to reopen, and voted to send lunch to people living and working at Hogan to boost their spirits at this difficult time. We sent posters, art and lunch to let everyone know they are not alone. Direct care staff Peter Heslam share a poem about this time and how writing is helping him cope. Hats off to all of the direct care workers out there for your great dedication and heart!
On May 20th everyone shared a song that represents their life. Find the fabulous NE Quarantine Playlist here: Northeast Playlist. On May 20th we also talked about the Governor’s Plan to re-open Massachusetts in four phases. We still need to practice social distancing and wear masks in many situations. Everyone wants to get back to normal but realizes it is important for activities to be safe for programs and workplaces to re-open. Everyone agreed that when it is safe to do so we want to throw a big party. Sandy J shared an update on pending stimulus packages and will keep us posted as Congress moves forward. At the end of this call, Joe Canto reminded everyone that, “When we all come together, no matter how big the obstacle, we can overcome it.” If you’re interested in joining a NE Meeting, please contact Bridget to sign up at: bridget@ma-advocates.org or 781-789-4274. Our regional meetings will continue every week on Wednesdays at 2PM.
Local Group News from NE
The Merrimack Valley Peer Support group held an online meeting on May 14th. They are canceling their annual celebration at Maria’s Restaurant this year due to COVID 19. The next Peer Support Meeting is May 28th.
Here’s news from the All for One group: “Hi this is Nicole who has autism. The name of my self-advocacy group all for one. We are meeting on Zoom online now every Monday at 2:00 until things get better. the date for the real meetings will be decided when we can meet in person. For more information, contact nicoled713@gmail.com .”
Many of us are coping with being at home with creativity. Donna Jay is making art and shared a piece for this issue of the MASS Flash called, “Spring.” Spring